Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Dignity and Repose

The Loopy Yarns anniversary party, at which I photographed a further forty or so knitters for the 1,000 Knitters Project, was a quiet affair. Vicki Sayre, the foundress of our feast, served cucumber sandwiches and tea to the delicate strains of a string quartet. Guests bent gracefully over their projects, nimble needles flashing in the candlelight, as they spoke in hushed tones of motherhood, duty, and patriotism. At intervals, members of the staff mounted the daïs to read aloud from volumes of Improving Verse or lead us in such old favorites as "Onward, Christian Soliders" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Or not.

While there was not, as I had predicted, a naked conga line around the block, this was the first public shoot at which not one but three models offered to remove their tops. (I declined.) At times it was all a bit much for a humble naïf from the Pennsylvania hill country, but I managed to escape with my virtue mostly intact. Thank goodness for my old-fashioned upbringing, is all I can say.

Here are six of the newest additions, chosen at random. It was a delight to meet you all–or see you again, as the case may be.

Before the evening wrapped up, Vicki (seated, center) and her acolytes graciously posed (fully clothed) for a group portrait.

There's no pretending that in the yarn business, fair prices and a good selection are important–but the personal touch is what puts a place over the top. Vicki knows it, and it was evident from the joyful tenor of the evening that in running her shop she has also created a terrific sense of community among her customers. It came across in the photographs, and I'm grateful.

Happy Anniversary, Loopy Yarns, and many more.

Knitting Notes

I don't want Abigail running around naked during the cold months in Maine, so I felt compelled to make her the kimono from Fancy-Ass Knits for Spoiled Rotten Babies by Debbie Bliss. (I'm not certain that's the exact title, but it's close enough.) The various pieces are all blocked and are drying on the living room floor. Here's a scintillating view of the lower corner of the right-hand front.

If the yarn looks at all familiar, it's because both colors were also used ages ago in the Seneca Sweater. I think the mauve (Jo Sharp DK) will look fetching on her. The kimono itself is so simple that frankly it'd be a bore to knit if it weren't such a tiny thing. What will give it va-voom is the embroidery. Debbie calls for demure little daisies, but I'm thinking of something a touch more exotic with a whiff of 19th century Japonaiserie about it. Something she can throw on when there's not much to do but recline on the Turkish cushions in her nursery and smoke Gauloises in the silver cigarette holder Dolores sent for the christening.

I'm also working down the leg of the second of a pair of cabled socks and clicking along a piece of lace. However, all may stop dead for a little while because...

Very lucky little neice to have you for an uncle. She will be well clad in (beautiful) handknits.

As for the book title, your version made me snort, you are not spoiling her, you are showing your love for her. Spoiling is the indulgence, at this stage in life, it would be pretty hard for her to be truly spoiled. And, she is very lovely.

Oh my god--I nearly fell over laughing at the "title" for DB's book! {snort, giggle, titter, snort} I will also be mulling a mental image of a tightly corseted woman in a stiff, gray dress reading serious poetry while knitters toil away below her for the rest of the day. I suppose there are worse images! ;)

I think you're totally right on the kimono. Already, Agigail (who looks smashing in that sweater!) has a look of wisdom and repose that suggests a kimono with a design ammendment by her favorite uncle.

Dude, Ravelry is totally going to take over your life. The ability to put projects into a queue is both useful and dangerous. Where I think I will find the time (not to mention the money) to knit all the things in my queue, I do not know. They need to change the name to "Ravelry: Enabling Knitters and Crocheters since 2007".

Franklin that is the best name for those Debbie Bliss books! I am glad you didn't get sucked into the cashmere for a being that has the natural tendency to barf on itself that is the Debbie Bliss directive.

Ohmigawd, do they have stabilizers or lifeguards or earthquake repellers on Ravelry or something? [bg] Have fun! (Only 12,200 to go before I make it...) Wonderful photos in your samples; simply fantastic! ROFL re the tops, and now I'm wondering if despite declining, if anyone then asked you to remove your top. Only being sort of a lady, I'd never ask that question straight out, you understand. ::tries the innocent look:: Nope, not me.

Love the idea of Japanese-inspired embroidery on Abigail's sweater. Start looking up the Ukiyo-e prints and the kimono embroidery! (Actually, there are a lot of simple, beautiful designs from Japanese mon... Ok, shutting up. I'm a nut for Japanese and Chinese embroidery. [g])

I got my Ravelry thingie weeks ago but alas, the relentless pursuit of filthy lucre has kept me from that particular time-suck. Either that or I am resisting manfully. Personfully. Rabbtichful- ... you get the idea.

Once I finally get my daughter house-broken and my husband either trained or divorced, watch out.

Great title for a book and I love the idea of adding an exotic touch to kimona . . . I looked at the book and thought Ohhh, maybe I should get it . . . ohhh, that would be stupid since we don't have any babies around lately, and hopefully won't for a couple years yet!

Every baby should be spoiled rotten with handknits! Of course, what this breeds is a child who looks at all knitting and asks, "Which one is mine?" At five, mine is now picking out yarn and telling me, make me something. Brat ;>

Ah! A picture of me is on your blog! Sorry for gushing over you on Friday, the trip to the bar I took pre-Loopy probably helped loosen the tongue, but all the love was genuine, I promise. Hope to see you again at Loopy some Friday!

Hi - hope you don't mind me posting into the midst of what sounds like a fine time had by all - just wanted you to know I "friended" you on Ravelry because I love reading your blog and really enjoy following your work - of the photographic, fiber and literary variety!Take care,Joan G a/k/a FugueStateKnits

I am sure Abigail will look great on the kimono outfit... but be carefull with that... I have knitted from that book of Debbie Bliss the jacket when my goodsister was 6 months and I have to repeat it every winter...in her new size.

I love seeing the photos from the 1000 Knitters project. The diversity of people is a wonder, especially coming from some of the smaller more insular communities I've lived in (present one excepting, because Boston isn't small).

I loved the "Dignity and Repose" description, I'll recognize it now when I see it.

As for the people still waiting for Ravelry: the longer you must wait, the better it will be. The bugs will be worked out and there will just be more "stuff" that works. And of course, you will be there, ready to play.

Oh I DO fancy Dolores...and you know, I've assiduously avoided looking up this "Ravelry" thing (I know, I must be some kind of piker). But it sounds so Exclusive - also, if one should happen to come to Chi-town to visit the Natural History Museum or Art Museum or...say...American Girl Place - what're the chances of buying an idol a cuppa?

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